South St. Louis County News

St. Louis Call Newspapers

South St. Louis County News

St. Louis Call Newspapers

South St. Louis County News

St. Louis Call Newspapers

Letter writer’s query results in information about utility service fees

I recently received a telephone call asking me why we pay a $15.50 a month customer-service charge to Laclede Gas.

I looked on my bill and sure enough, in cursive writing, was this charge.

I started doing some checking to see why we pay $186 a year just to have this service before we ever receive the product.

I called District 101 Rep. Tim Meadows, D-Imperial, in Jefferson County and District 1 Sen. Jim Lembke, R-Lemay, in St. Louis.

I received a letter and call from Lembke’s office and was surprised to learn the customer-service charge is an operational fee that is charged to all utility users.

The fees were initiated in 1980 and must be approved by the Public Service Commission.

Laclede Gas’ charge was increased to $12.50 in 1996 and $15.50 on Aug. 1, 2007.

In addition, I learned that AmerenUE charges $7.25 a month and Missouri American Water charges anywhere from $12.31 a month to $340 a month depending on the size of the water meter.

I don’t have a problem paying for the service I receive, but paying a charge to have the privilege to receive that service can only be successful when there is no competition.

I can honestly say I receive good service from Laclede, AmerenUE and Missouri American Water, but I would rather see my money go for the product, not a service fee.

Ron Wagganer

Lemay

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